Even in a city so famous for pizza and pasta, the best gluten free restaurants in Rome are actually easier to find than many travelers might expect.
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We went on a family trip to Rome, and even though our stay was only two days, the city left a strong impression on us.
Between the major sights, charming neighborhoods, and memorable meals, Rome in particular stood out as a place where eating gluten free felt much more manageable than we had anticipated.
In this gluten-free guide to Rome, I’m sharing the spots that stood out most during our short stay. This includes restaurants, bakeries, and gelaterias that made our stay so much better.
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If you're trying to figure out where to eat in Rome safely without missing out on the city's food culture, these are the places that truly made a difference for us. And if you’d rather let a local lead the way, these best food tours in Rome were one of the easiest ways we found to eat well without overthinking every stop.
Eating Gluten Free in Rome Tips
Gluten-free eating in Rome is much easier than you would expect, as Italy has a strong awareness of celiac disease. Most restaurants are generally well-informed about cross-contamination and safe preparation.
- If your Italy trip also includes Spain, Barcelona is another city where gluten free dining is more doable than it seems once you know where to look. I put everything we learned into this guide to gluten free Barcelona so you can plan ahead and spend less time searching when everyone is hungry.
Here are some tips that can help you:
1. Go for AIC-Accredited Options in Rome
One of the best things you can do is look for Associazione Italiana Celiachia (AIC)-affiliated restaurants. This means the staff has undergone rigorous training and follows strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
You can download the AIC mobile app or go to the AIC site, specifically to their Eating Out program section. If you're in the city and you're already scanning a specific area, look out for the AIC logo sticker on restaurant doors.
2. Say the Magic Words
It helps to learn a few simple Italian phrases before your trip.
- Saying “senza glutine,” which translates to "gluten-free," is useful.
- It's even better to say “Io sono celiaco” if you are male or “Io sono celiaca” if you are female. This translates to "I am celiac."
Even when a gluten free menu looks safe, saying it upfront can encourage the staff to be more careful about preparation methods and cross-contamination, which is especially helpful in smaller restaurants or family-run spots.
3. Consider Going on a Food Tour
Food tours can take a lot of the guesswork out of eating in Rome, particularly if you are looking for places with reliable gluten-free options.
Having a food guide to Rome who already knows where to go, what to order, and how to navigate the city’s food scene can make the experience much easier and far less stressful.
We highly recommend the food tours we booked in Rome: Eternal Rome Food Tour: Jewish Ghetto, Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere by Eating Rome and Testaccio Small Group Food Tour by The Tour Guy.
Gluten-Free Restaurants
For people with gluten sensitivities like me, you're in luck. Rome has no shortage of places where gluten-free diners can enjoy a proper meal without feeling limited.
Below are some of the best gluten-free restaurants in Rome for celiac-friendly dining:
Mama Eat
Location: Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9, 00153
Located in the heart of Trastevere (and two others near the Vatican and the Milvian Bridge), this gluten free staple is one of the most popular gluten-free restaurants in Rome.
Although they are not a 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurant, they are one of the original pioneers of the "separate kitchen" approach in Italy.
Their gluten-free menu is huge, but it's the textures that really stand out here. As anyone who has tried to fry gluten-free dough knows, it’s a technical challenge. Here, you can eat gluten-free supplì with its breading fully crisp and intact.
For the main course, their pizza is the clear winner. The crust has a great chew and structure that's hard to find elsewhere. Do note that they use gluten-free wheat starch. If you're leaning toward a pasta dish, they're known for their carbonara.
Voglia di Pizza
Location: Via dei Giubbonari, 33, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Honestly, Voglia di Pizza served what felt like the best pizza we had in Rome, and quite possibly the best gluten-free pizza I have ever tasted. The crust was crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and baked just right.
My daughter immediately fell in love with their cacio e pepe pizza, and it ended up being one of those meals she still talks about long after the trip.
She asks for it at home all the time, which probably says everything you need to know.
We also had their bucatini all’amatriciana, a tomato-based pasta dish that was rich and savory, and a mixed green salad on the side.
Like Mama Eat, this isn't a 100% dedicated gluten free facility, but they are AIC-accredited and take cross-contamination incredibly seriously.
Mercato Hostaria
Location: Campo de' Fiori, 53, 00186
If you find yourself in the heart of Rome near the historic Campo de’ Fiori, Mercato Hostaria is a fantastic choice for gluten-free meals. It's AIC-accredited, which means they take their gluten-free protocols very seriously.
As a recipe developer myself, I appreciate how well their pasta holds its al dente structure. It doesn't have that mushy or grainy quality that many gluten-free pastas have.
Instead of a traditional round pizza, Mercato Historia often serves Pinsa, an ancient Roman style of flatbread.
The gluten-free version is light, airy, and serves as the perfect bread for high-quality toppings like buffalo mozzarella and salty prosciutto.
Because it’s right in a busy piazza and quite popular with both locals and tourists, it’s best to make a reservation if you can, especially for dinner or on busy nights.
La Soffitta Renovatio
Location: Piazza del Risorgimento, 46/a, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
La Soffitta is a long-standing member of the AIC. It's a family-run business located near St. Peter’s Square in the Prati neighborhood, making it a good place to eat after visiting the Vatican Museums.
The restaurant is located downstairs in a basement, which gives it a cozy, underground cavern feel with brick arches and warm lighting. Their food leans more into classic Roman flavors, which is a big part of the appeal.
Many locals love their gluten-free pizza. It has that thin and crispy crust with a blistered char from the oven. It isn’t doughy or soft; it has a legitimate Roman crunch that holds up to the toppings.
Pantha Rei
Location: Via della Minerva, 19, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Finding a quiet, safe place to eat right next to one of the world’s most famous monuments usually feels impossible, but Pantha Rei is the exception. It's located in a small alley near the Pantheon.
What sets it apart for gluten-free travelers is that all of its dishes are available gluten-free, from fried starters and pizza to pasta and dessert.
Their fresh gluten-free pastas, especially the carbonara, gricia, and amatriciana, are among the restaurant’s best-sellers.
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That said, the pizza is just as much of a standout, especially their unique combinations, like their pizza with sausage, greens, and potatoes.
Gluten-Free Bakeries
From flaky pastries and fresh bread to pizza by the slice and cookies for later, the city has a great selection of gluten free bakery stops that make snacking and breakfast feel just as exciting as the bigger meals.
Here are some of the bakeries I recommend:
Barnum Roma
Location: Via del Pellegrino, 87, 00186
This bakery in Rome is a lovely stop for brunch, baked goods, or simply a really good coffee, especially if you are starting the day near Campo de’ Fiori. The café is known for its specialty coffee, artisanal pastries, and all-day brunch.
Best believe Barnum Roma serves some of the flakiest pastries in Rome, with buttery layers that look every bit as good as they taste.
It's pretty popular, even in the morning. So expect to wait for a table, especially around peak breakfast and brunch hours. Do note that they are not a dedicated gluten-free café, if you're particularly iffy about that.
New Food Gluten Free
Location: P.za S. Vincenzo Pallotti, 208, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
If you want to walk into a bakery where you can eat literally everything in sight without worrying about cross-contamination, this place is your sanctuary. The best part? They have multiple locations in Rome.
What makes New Food Gluten Free stand out even more is the variety. You're treated to a display full of the things you actually want in Italy: pastries, baked goods, pizza, and even other savory bites.
Most stores are a grab-and-go style with very limited seating. I'm talking about a single bench outside. So it's definitely a perfect place to stock up for a picnic or buy snacks for a busy day of sightseeing ahead.
Le Altre Farine del Mulino
Location: Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 151/153, 00165
A 100% gluten-free bakery and pasticceria (pastry shop) near the Vatican. It's a local favorite for breakfast, snacks, and pizza al taglio. You can come for something sweet in the morning, then just as easily leave with lunch or snacks for later.
It’s a small, charming space founded by a family from Sicily who brought their regional heritage to Rome. Because of these roots, you’ll notice items on their menu that aren't typically Roman.
For example, in most of Rome, you'll find pre-filled cannoli. Le Altre Farine del Munilo typically fills their shells to order to prevent gluten-free shells from absorbing moisture and becoming soft.
Pandali
Location: Via di Torre Argentina 3, 00186
If you only have time for one gluten-free bakery in the historic center, make it Pandalì.
Located literally just a few steps from the Pantheon, Pandali is a 100% gluten-free bistrot and bakery. The space is small, but that's part of the charm.
Pandali works especially well as a breakfast, light lunch, or mid-sightseeing stop when you want something reliable in the historic center. It has a mix of sweet and savory gluten free options, such as soups, baked pasta, and vegetable plates.
It also has a great selection of biscotteria (stuffed cookies and tarts) that hold up well if you want to buy a few for later.
Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria
Location: Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16, 00186
Another gluten free bakery in this list! The Roscioli name is quite well known in Rome's food scene. It's often associated with some of the best bread and pasta in the city.
While the main bakery is not fully gluten-free, the nearby Caffè Pasticceria is much more inclusive.
Roscioli is actually a traditional Roman bar where you'll find locals standing shoulder-to-shoulder for their morning caffeine fix. The best part is they have dairy free options, including plant-based milk alternatives for coffee.
We tried their chocolate cake and a layered ricotta and cherry cake. Both were excellent, but the ricotta and cherry cake easily stole the show. It felt lighter and more nuanced, with a lovely balance of creaminess and fruity sweetness.
Gluten-Free Gelato
One of the best things about finding gluten-free dessert spots in the city is that you still get to fully enjoy gelato in Rome, which is part of the experience, no matter the season.
Fortunately, the city has several gelaterias where gluten-free travelers can enjoy classic flavors, creative combinations, and even cones. Here are my recommendations:
Fiocco di Neve
Location: Via del Pantheon, 51, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
This charming small shop is dedicated exclusively to gluten-free treats, so even the crispy cones and wafers are safe.
Gluten‑free cones can be surprisingly hard to find, especially ones that are genuinely crispy and enjoyable, which is why it's a welcome surprise for us here in Fiocco di Neve.
What makes Fiocco di Neve so easy to love is the range of artisanal flavors. It has everything from classic coffee and fruit flavors to richer choices like tiramisu.
Other than ice cream, this gelateria is also well-known for its affogato. It's the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, especially during a heavy day of sightseeing near the Pantheon.
Fatamorgana Gelato
Location: Via Roma Libera, 11, 00153
If you're looking for the most inventive gelato in Rome, Fatamorgana is an absolute essential for your list. It was founded by Maria Agnese Spagnuolo, who created the shop specifically to provide high-quality, artisan gelato for those with celiac disease.
Fatamorgana is famous for unique combinations like Black Rice and Rose Petal and Kentucky (tobacco, chocolate, and licorice). It also offers an extensive selection of sugar-free and lactose-free options that don't sacrifice the signature creamy texture.
The best part is their commitment to "clean" ingredients. They avoid chemical thickeners and food coloring, relying instead on the natural properties of their raw materials.
This was the absolute best gelato in Rome that we tried and I highly recommend this place!
Gelateria Della Palma
Location: Via della Maddalena, 19-23, 00186
Another popular gelato stop near the Pantheon, and what really makes it stand out is the sheer variety. The shop offers around 150 flavors, one of the widest selections in Rome. That alone makes it a fun place to visit!
There's a selection of soy-based and fruit-based dairy-free options, alongside gluten-free cones. It also has mousse-based gelato if you want a lighter, airier texture compared to traditional dense gelato.
Come with a little patience and a rough idea of what you like, because the shop’s flavor selection can be overwhelming (in the best way).
The Gluten-Free Side of Rome We’ll Always Remember
Rome ended up being one of the most enjoyable stops of our trip when it came to finding gluten-free food. Even in just two days, we came across many restaurants, bakeries, and dessert spots that made eating out feel far easier than we expected.
More importantly, the overall dining experience never felt like a compromise, which made the city even more memorable for us.
For anyone worried about missing out on pasta and pizza in Rome, this city really can surprise you in the best way.
With a little planning and a few trusted spots saved in advance, gluten free travel here can still feel exciting, satisfying, and full of the flavors that make Rome so special.
